This guidelines provides recommendations on the assessment of children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. The target audience for this guideline includes healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of care to children at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This document is based on recommendations by Cook et al. (2016) using slight modifications and an updated evidence search. Please see the Associated Article section below for the full summary of the Cook et al. (2016) guideline on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
This guideline is based on the document listed in the Associated Article section below.
A neurodevelopmental assessment is recommended for all children with fetal alchohol spectrum disorder (Strong Recommendation). Direct standardized measures and indirect methods (e.g., clinical interview, informant ratings, historical assessments) can be used to assess neurodevelopmental areas whenever possible (Conditional Recommendation). <br /><br />"A diagnosis/descriptor of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is made only when there is evidence of pervasive and long-standing brain dysfunction, which is defined by severe impairment ... in three of more of the following neurodevelopmental areas of assessment:
<ul>
<li>motor skills;</li>
<li>neuroanatomy/neurophysiology;</li>
<li>cognition;</li>
<li>language;</li>
<li>academic achievement;</li>
<li>memory;</li>
<li>attention;</li>
<li>executive function, including impulse control and hyperactivity;</li>
<li>affect regulation; and</li>
<li>adaptive behaviour, social skills, or social communication" (Strong Recommendation, p. 21).</li>
</ul>
<div>A multidisciplinary team is essential for assessing children with fetal alchohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Team members across the lifespan of child with FASD should include:</div>
<ul>
<li>a neonatologist, pediatrician, or physician, with competence in assessment of FASD; and</li>
<li>child development specialists to conduct physical and functional assessments, such as an experienced speech and language therapist (Strong Recommendation).</li>
</ul>
